Release the Bison (Pragmatic Play) Slot Review

Release the Bison: Slot Overview 

Pragmatic Play’s Release the Bison is a highly volatile slot game that reimagines the developer’s “Release” series, moving from nautical depths in the earlier Release the Kraken to the untamed wilderness of North America. With an RTP of 96.54% (or configurable 97.49% and 95.48%), the game offers 20 paylines on a 5×4 grid and high volatility that promises adrenaline-pumping gameplay. Released in April 2024, it provides both casual players and high rollers an exciting gaming experience with a betting range of €0.20 to €240. 

Despite its impressive features, Release the Bison faces mixed reactions for its technical tweaks and reduced payout potential compared to its predecessors. The max win of 3,000x the stake, down from Kraken 2’s 5,000x, leaves some players wanting more. However, the game’s lush design, engaging features, and free spins with roaming wild multipliers help make up for this shortfall.

Design and Graphics 

Release the Bison adopts a strikingly natural theme, transporting players to a picturesque wilderness brimming with vibrant landscapes of meadows and mountains. The visuals highlight detailed animal symbols, with the titular bison as the centerpiece. High-value symbols include majestic creatures like wolves, eagles, and cougars, all designed with a lifelike aesthetic. Pragmatic Play uses vivid colors and a smooth animation style to create a polished visual experience. The wild bison’s imposing stance complements the theme of untamed nature, while the grid, outlined in rustic wooden frames, evokes a sense of adventure. However, the symbols’ slightly exaggerated expressions might detract from the immersive quality, making them appear more cartoonish than majestic.

Gameplay Mechanics 

The gameplay unfolds on a 5-reel, 4-row grid with 20 fixed paylines, where players score wins by landing identical symbols from left to right. Low-paying symbols include standard 10 to A card ranks, while high-paying ones feature the game’s animal cast. 

The wild symbol substitutes for all regular pay symbols and carries the highest payout, offering up to 12.5x the bet for a 5-symbol win. Winning combinations involving premium animal symbols can pay 2x to 10x the bet, while lower-value card symbols reward 0.5x to 1.5x. 

What sets Release the Bison apart is its wild respin mechanic in the base game. Triggered by landing at least four wilds, this feature causes the wilds to roam randomly across the reels during respins, with a progressive multiplier increasing for each new wild that lands.

Sound and Music 

Release the Bison features a soundtrack that perfectly complements its theme. A mix of ambient nature sounds and tribal drums creates an atmospheric backdrop for the gameplay. The music intensifies during features like free spins or wild respins, adding a layer of excitement. While the sound effects are crisp and well-suited to the game, they don’t venture far beyond typical slot audio, leaning heavily on industry standards.

Bonus Features 

Wild Respins 

In the base game, landing 4 or more wilds activates the wild respins feature. During respins, all wilds move randomly to new positions on the grid while the game pays out after each respin. Every additional wild symbol that appears increases a multiplier applied to all subsequent wins, with the feature ending when no new wilds appear. Collecting 3 scatter symbols during this feature triggers the free spins round. 

Guaranteed Win 

Occasionally, a losing spin in the base game may result in a guaranteed win feature, awarding a random win worth 10x to 40x the stake. This feature offers some consolation to players experiencing dry streaks. 

Free Spins 

The free spins bonus is the game’s primary feature, triggered by landing 3 or more scatter symbols. Before the round begins, a bonus wheel determines the number of spins (8 to 18) and the win multiplier (up to 5x). The scatter count also influences the potential rewards: 

• 3 scatters: 8–18 free spins with a 1x–5x multiplier. 

• 4 scatters: 8–18 free spins with a 2x–5x multiplier. 

• 5 scatters: 10–18 free spins with a 3x–5x multiplier. 

During free spins, wilds turn into roaming wilds that shift positions between spins, staying on the grid until the round ends. Collecting 5 or more wilds activates an additional free spin for every new wild collected, with multipliers increasing by +1 each time. The feature can support up to 10 wild symbols on the reels at any time. 

Feature Buy 

Players can skip the wait and buy direct access to the free spins feature. The cost varies depending on the number of scatter symbols: 3 scatters: 80x the bet. 

4 scatters: 150x the bet. 

5 scatters: 300x the bet. 

Betting Options and Payouts 

Release the Bison offers a versatile betting range from €0.20 to €240, catering to both casual players and high rollers. The game’s RTP is adjustable, with the highest setting at 96.54%, making it competitive within the slot market. Lower RTP settings of 97.49% and 95.48% are also available, depending on the version. 

The maximum win of 3,000x the stake may feel underwhelming, especially when compared to earlier titles in the “Release” series. However, the game’s high volatility ensures that significant wins are possible, albeit less frequent. With a hit frequency of 1 in 3.45, the game strikes a balance between regular payouts and bonus-triggering spins.

Conclusion 

Release the Bison is a well-crafted slot that combines familiar mechanics with a fresh theme. Its wild respins, free spins with multipliers, and the guaranteed win feature offer enough variety to keep gameplay engaging. While the graphics and soundtrack are immersive, the overly animated symbols may polarize players seeking a more refined aesthetic. 

On the downside, the reduced max win of 3,000x might deter high-stakes players, especially those who found previous “Release” titles more rewarding. However, the slot’s adjustable RTP, high volatility, and entertaining features still make it an appealing choice for fans of Pragmatic Play’s portfolio. 

Ultimately, Release the Bison caters to players looking for an adventurous theme and dynamic gameplay. While it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it delivers a solid gaming experience with potential for big wins, making it worth a spin for those who enjoy volatile slots with a nature-inspired backdrop.